Amusements for people who would rather be poolside.

Today is the Mr.'s birthday! As is our tradition, I share photos I've taken of him (from behind) over the course of the year. What these photos don't show is all he's done for our family and me this very, very difficult year. You'll see him at the stove and at the grill but you won't see just how much time he spent making nourishing broths and meals for my mom when she was having chemo treatments. You'll see him standing on many a beach but you won't see how much of his free time was spent doing stuff around the house this year when my chronic pain kept me from helping. He's one in a million! Love you, honey! Here's to a better year ahead!

putting the lights on the tree, Provincetown, MA

Christmas meal prepping, Provincetown, MA

more meal prepping (with special attention from Stephen and Tipper), Provincetown, MA

grilling the tenderloin for Christmas dinner on an oddly warm December day, Provincetown, MA

walking around Clapp's Pond with Stephen, Provincetown, MA

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

first grilling of the spring, Provincetown, MA

lobster roll ordering, John's Footlong, Provincetown, MA

Harbor Lounge, Provincetown, MA

grilling in his cute lobster shorts, Provincetown, MA

walking Stephen at Herring Cove, Provincetown, MA

happy hour cocktailing on the deck at the Red Inn, Provincetown, MA

sailing on the Hindu, Cape Cod Bay, MA

bonfiring at Herring Cove, Provincetown, MA

waiting for the swimmers to arrive at the Swim for Life, Provincetown, MA

It's one of my favorite days of the year: the Mr.'s birthday!! The past twelve months have taken us on a journey we never expected -- relocating to Provincetown, several warm weather trips during the worst winter ever, and some life surprises that have made us stronger, more resilient, and somehow better. Happy birthday, honey! Can't wait to see what adventures are in store for us next year! And with that, my annual ode to my favorite person on the planet (I've been thinking about subtitling this series: "I Got Your 6." What do you think?) ...

Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Angel Foods, Provincetown, MA (just after we moved)

from our balcony in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Driving the speedboat in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

opening party at Harbor Lounge, Provincetown, MA

in the middle of Commercial Street during the off season, Provincetown, MA

waiting for the swimmers to arrive at the Swim for Life, Provincetown, MA

Harbor Lounge, Provincetown, MA

And one more non-traditional, slightly blurry photo of us on the DANCE FLOOR, in COSTUME (the Mr. stole Stephen's shark fin costume and tied it around his head), at his very first TEA DANCE at the Boatslip, Provincetown, MA. We were surrounded by mostly gay men in non-existent clothing. And this, my friends, is why he's the best partner in crime out there. Happiest of happy birthdays, honey!

So you know how, on the Mr.'s birthday, I post photos I've taken of him over the course of the year from a specific angle? Well, it's that time of year again! I have to admit I have been delinquent in capturing these moments (I blame that furry little Stephen who seems to be in every photo I take these days.) Happy Birthday, honey! Here's to another year of adventure!

Even though the Mr. doesn't celebrate his birthday until later this week, I'm posting his annual birthday post now since we'll be out of town. I am grateful to be able to share so many wonderful adventures with him -- we've had a fun year! Happiest of happy birthdays to you, honey! Can't wait to see what the next year will bring!

Today is the Mr.'s 40th birthday. And he gets to share his special day with a little thing I like to call "Thanksgiving." Do not worry about him. We have a cool birthday trip planned for next week that involves a Caribbean beach and daiquiris!

As I did last year, I'm sharing a few shots I've taken of him looking out at the world. From the back, as usual.

Today is the Mr.'s birthday. For years I've been taking photos of him gazing out at the world (usually followed by an irritated look thrown my way.) Below is my collection, which I think is pretty fun. Happy Birthday, Mr.!

From the Victor Emmanuel Monument overlooking Rome, Italy

From Castel Sant'Angelo looking over the Ponte Sant'Angelo, Rome, Italy

Walking down the steps of the Vatican Museum, Rome, Italy

Driving the lobster boat, Provincetown, MA

San Juan, Puerto Rico

La Concha, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Swan Boats, Boston, MA

Watching the Volvo Ocean Race outside the ICA, Boston, MA

The Mr., his brother, and his mom ... the window in our apartment. Apparently it runs in the family.